The rapid growth of availability and sophistication of technology has changed the teaching and learning environment in classrooms around the world. Use of computers, smart boards, clickers, digital resources and web based resources has led to enhanced teaching and learning environments with the potential to transform all aspects of classroom activities. According to Bates and Poole (2003), “In such a fast-changing environment, decision makers need a framework or set of criteria to guide them.”
I have been teaching for 19 years, the last 6 years in a Grade 3 classroom. My current school is in the inner city of St. John’s and services a population with low literacy and numeracy skills. Students and parents are disengaged from the learning process. Over the last 3 – 4 years, I have integrated technology into my classroom with very positive results. The students have enjoyed their experiences with technology and are more engaged in the learning process.
There are significant challenges in the adoption of educational technology, including the need to remain current in the field, collection and assessment of the ever growing pool of instructional resources and the effective integration of these technologies and resources into the curriculum.
These challenges have motivated me to strengthen my understanding of educational technology and its integration in the classroom, particularly in a Primary education setting. My professional goals are to become proficient with new learning technologies available to aid in delivery of programs across the curriculum in order to improve student success. This proficiency will allow me to integrate technology into the classroom on a daily basis to enhance my teaching and the learning environment of my students. With each course I take in the MET program, I gain new insights into educational technology. Through the initial readings in this course, I have already gained a better understanding of frameworks to aid in the selection and use of educational technologies.
My specific goals for ETEC 565 are to develop an understanding of theoretical frameworks for evaluating and using technologies to enhance student learning. I have no experience with Learning Management Systems, or web publication. I am hoping that through the hands-on approach of this course, and collaboration / communication with peers that I will come away with skills in the use of LMS and web publishing. I also seek to extend my knowledge of multimedia tools for digital storytelling / presentations and collaboration tools to use with my students. Resources that I think will help me achieve my goals are access to a variety of technology tools, on line tutorials , self assessments such as the HTML assessment to focus my learning needs, access to technical support through the course shell, support from peers through discussion forums and synchronous tools, course readings and the UBC library.
According to Chickering and Ehrmann (1996) “Learning is not a spectator sport.” I believe that learning is an active process, one which I am excited to take on in this course.
References
Bates, A.W. & Poole, G. (2003). Chapter 4: a Framework for Selecting and Using Technology. In Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success.77-105.
Chickering, A.W. & Ehrmann, S.C. (1996). Implementing the Seven Principles: Technology as Lever. American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 49(2), 3-6.